Quick answer
Tiny home dimensions are governed by certification standard and road-transport limits. THOWs (RVIA): max 8’6″ wide × 13’6″ tall (legal for civilian towing without a permit), typically 16–30 ft long. Park model RVs (ANSI A119.5): max 11’6″ wide × 13’6″ tall (transported with oversize-load permits), typically 36–42 ft long, 399–765 sq ft. HUD-code manufactured tiny homes: single-wide up to 14’ wide × 76’ long (single-section), or double-wide 28’ wide × 76’ long (two sections), 600–1,800 sq ft. Modular (IRC code): any dimension that ships in transportable sections, typically 1,200–3,000 sq ft.
Why tiny home dimensions matter (it’s mostly about the road)
Every tiny home dimension you’ll see in a brochure exists because of a transportation rule. The 8’6″ THOW width? That’s the maximum unpermitted vehicle width on US highways. The 11’6″ park-model width? That’s the largest oversize-load permit most states will issue routinely. The 14’ HUD single-wide width? That’s the largest oversize permit any state will issue for a single shipment. Every category is sized to fit through a transportation door.
The 4 federal certifications and their max dimensions
1. RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) — THOWs and travel trailers
- Max width: 8’6″ (civilian-towable without permits)
- Max height: 13’6″ (US highway clearance)
- Max length: 40 ft (varies by state)
- Typical use: Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs), travel trailers
- Typical sq ft: 100–320 sq ft
2. ANSI A119.5 — Park Model RVs
- Max width: 11’6″ (per ANSI standard); some states allow up to 12’ with permits
- Max height: 13’6″
- Max length: 45 ft per ANSI; oversize-load permits required for all transports
- Typical use: Park model RVs (our entire park-model lineup)
- Typical sq ft: 399–765 sq ft
3. HUD Code — Manufactured Homes
- Single-wide max: 14’ wide × 76’ long, ~13’ tall (highway transport)
- Double-wide: ships as two 14’ sections, joined on-site to 28’ total width
- Triple-wide: ships as three sections, joined to 42’ total width
- Typical use: Manufactured single-family homes (our Homestead, Birch, Casablanca, etc.)
- Typical sq ft: 600–2,500+ sq ft
4. IRC (International Residential Code) — Modular Homes
- Dimensions: Any size that ships in transportable sections. Joined and finished on-site like site-built construction.
- Typical use: Modular homes (our Orion is a Skyline-built IRC modular)
- Typical sq ft: 1,200–3,000+ sq ft
The 12 most common tiny home sizes (with real models)
| Sq ft | Width × Length | Category | Example model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 | 8'6″ × 17' | THOW (RVIA) | Tumbleweed Roanoke |
| 204 | 8'6″ × 24' | THOW (RVIA) | Tumbleweed Cypress 24 |
| 399 | 11'6″ × 36' | Park Model (ANSI) | Our Hayden, Cardinal, Cedar Ridge |
| 443 | 11'6″ × 40' | Park Model (ANSI) | Our Lagoon |
| 640 | 12' × 53' | Park Model (ANSI) | Our Key West, Scottsdale |
| 748 | 12' × 62' | Park Model (ANSI) | Our Sydney |
| 765 | 12'6″ × 61' | Park Model (ANSI) | Our Bliss (2BR) |
| 850 | 14' × 61' | HUD Single-Wide | Our Casablanca (2BR) |
| 1,020 | 14' × 73' | HUD Single-Wide | Our Retreat |
| 1,153 | 14' × 82' | HUD Single-Wide | Our Birch, Jazz (3BR) |
| 1,613 | 28' × 58' | Modular (IRC) | Our Orion (3BR) |
| 1,699 | 28' × 61' | HUD Double-Wide | Our Anor |
Choosing your tiny home dimensions: 4-question checklist
- Will you tow it? If yes (THOW), max 8’6″ wide. If no, you have many more size options.
- Do you need permits each move? Park model RVs > 8’6″ wide require oversize-load permits every time you transport — including the initial factory-to-lot delivery. We handle this for delivery; future moves are at your cost.
- What’s your road access? Some rural sites have narrow driveways, low-clearance bridges, or tight switchbacks that make 14’-wide HUD homes impossible to deliver. We assess delivery feasibility on every quote.
- What classification do you need? RV-classified (ANSI/RVIA) is faster to permit but limited to RV/ADU zones in many places. HUD-certified gives you primary-residence flexibility but requires a permanent foundation.
Frequently asked questions about tiny home dimensions
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum width for a tiny home on US highways?
8'6″ for civilian towing without permits (THOWs and travel trailers). 11'6″–14′ for oversize-load permitted transport (park model RVs and HUD single-wides). Beyond 14′ requires shipping in multiple sections that are joined on-site (HUD double-wides, modular homes).
What is the smallest livable tiny home dimension?
Realistically, about 144 sq ft (8'6″ × 17′ THOW) for solo full-time living. Below 100 sq ft becomes essentially a sleeping pod — comfortable for overnight stays but not sustainable for long-term residence. The smallest model in our lineup is 399 sq ft (Hayden park model), which we consider the practical floor for couple living.
Why are park models limited to 399 sq ft in some states?
Some states (and some RV parks) classify "park model RV" specifically as units under 400 sq ft per the ANSI A119.5 definition. Larger park model floor plans (640–765 sq ft) are still ANSI A119.5 certified but may not qualify for the "park model RV" placement category in restrictive jurisdictions — they may need to be classified as manufactured housing for placement purposes. Most states are flexible; a few (notably some California RV park rules) are strict.
Can you put a tiny home on a city lot with normal setbacks?
Depends on the dimension and the city. An 8'6″ THOW fits almost any lot. An 11'6″ park model can fit most ADU-eligible residential lots. A 14′-wide HUD single-wide needs typical 5′–10′ setbacks plus the home width — often 30′ wide lots are too narrow. 28′-wide HUD double-wides typically require 60′+ wide lots.
How tall can a tiny home be?
13’6″ is the practical max for any transported unit because of US highway bridge clearances. Some interstate bridges are even lower (12’6″ in pockets). Our tallest park models are 13’4″ to maintain a 2″ safety margin under the 13’6″ limit.
Are the dimensions on builder spec sheets the interior or exterior size?
Exterior, in nearly every case. The interior usable space is typically 5–10% less than the exterior dimension because of wall thickness (4″–6″ per wall). A spec-sheet "399 sq ft" park model has roughly 360–380 sq ft of actual interior floor area. Always ask for a floor plan with dimensions if interior space matters for furniture fit.
